What Information Should Contractors Provide for Shop Drawings?
One of the most common questions we receive is simple:
"What information do you need to get started on shop drawings?"
The short answer is that the more complete the project information, the smoother and faster the drafting process becomes.
Whether you're working on architectural metal panels, fiber cement systems, ACM panels, metal roofing, insulated metal panels, or other Division 7 systems, providing the right information upfront helps reduce revisions, improve accuracy, and keep your project moving forward.
Here's what contractors should typically provide when requesting shop drawings.
1. Architectural Drawings
Architectural drawings are usually the foundation of every shop drawing package.
These documents provide critical information such as:
Building elevations
Floor plans
Sections
Wall types
Dimensions
Design intent
The latest issued set should always be provided whenever possible. Using outdated plans can create unnecessary revisions and delays later in the process.
2. Project Specifications
Innerwall uses an Order form. However, specifications contain important requirements that may not be fully shown on the drawings.
They often include:
Material requirements
Finish selections
Performance criteria
Installation standards
Manufacturer requirements
Testing requirements
For Division 7 systems, specification sections are often just as important as the architectural drawings themselves.
3. Manufacturer Information
Every manufacturer has unique products, details, attachment methods, and installation requirements.
Providing manufacturer information helps ensure that shop drawings accurately reflect the intended system.
Examples include:
Product data sheets
Standard details
Installation guides
Approved assemblies
System-specific requirements
The earlier this information is available, the easier it is to produce accurate drawings.
4. Structural Drawings (When Applicable)
Some projects require coordination with structural steel, cold-formed framing, concrete, or other structural elements.
Structural drawings may be necessary when:
Attachment conditions are critical
Support framing affects panel layout
Specialty fastening systems are required
Coordination between trades is needed
Not every project requires structural drawings, but they can be extremely valuable when available.
5. Approved Submittals and Existing Details
If material selections have already been approved, providing those documents can eliminate assumptions and reduce revisions.
Helpful documents may include:
Approved submittals
Previous project details
Owner standards
Manufacturer approval documents
Existing shop drawings for similar conditions
These references can help maintain consistency across a project.
6. Project-Specific Requirements
Every project has unique conditions that may impact the shop drawing process.
Examples include:
Custom panel layouts
Special finishes
Unique transitions
Historic renovation requirements
Sequencing concerns
Site constraints
Sharing these requirements early allows potential issues to be identified before they affect fabrication or installation.
7. A Clear Scope of Work
One of the best ways to improve project efficiency is to clearly define the scope of work.
Questions that are helpful to answer include:
Which systems require shop drawings?
Are fabrication drawings required?
Are installation details required?
Are 3D views or isometrics needed?
Are there specific submission deadlines?
A clearly defined scope helps everyone stay aligned throughout the project.
Common Causes of Delays
Most shop drawing delays are not caused by drafting. They are often caused by missing or incomplete information.
Common examples include:
Missing specifications
Incomplete drawing sets
Unapproved material selections
Unclear scope requirements
Late design changes
Providing complete project information at the beginning significantly reduces these challenges.
The Benefits of Good Project Information
When contractors provide complete and accurate information upfront, several things happen:
Turnaround times improve
Revisions are reduced
Coordination becomes easier
Approval processes move faster
Installation issues are minimized
Ultimately, the goal is to create accurate shop drawings that support successful fabrication and installation while helping projects stay on schedule.
Working with a Division 7 Shop Drawing Partner
Division 7 systems often involve complex architectural cladding, roofing, waterproofing, and building envelope components. These systems require careful coordination between contractors, manufacturers, architects, and consultants.
At Innerwall Company, we specialize in Division 7 shop drawings for contractors and manufacturers across the United States and internationally. By receiving complete project information at the start of a project, we can help deliver accurate, professional drawings that support efficient project execution from approval through installation.
A little preparation upfront often saves significant time and effort later—and helps keep projects moving toward successful completion.
